Advance Your Nursing Leadership Career with the VA St. Louis
Are you an experienced registered nurse ready to move into a high-level leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD) to join the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the quality of care provided to our nation's Veterans while operating at the systems level.
About the VA Saint Louis Health Care System
The VA St. Louis is a premier full-service tertiary referral center with two main campuses—John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks—and four community-based outpatient clinics. We provide advanced medical, surgical, psychiatric, and rehabilitative care. Our team is committed to the mission of fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served. Working in St. Louis offers a fantastic quality of life, featuring affordable housing, a vibrant food scene, and world-class cultural institutions like the Gateway Arch and the Saint Louis Zoo.
Job Responsibilities
As the Nursing Officer of the Day, you serve as the facility's clinical expert. You will not be tethered to a single unit; instead, you will monitor the pulse of the entire facility. Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership & Guidance: Supporting and developing staff through professional standards of care.
- Crisis Management: Identifying and responding to escalating medical crises and environmental factors.
- Resource Allocation: Strategically managing staffing and resources during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Incident Command: Serving as the acting Incident Commander in the absence of executive leadership.
- Quality Improvement: Providing programmatic outcomes to nursing leadership to enhance organizational processes.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet rigorous standards:
- Licensure: You must hold a full, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Education: A degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English.
- Physical Standards: Ability to perform clinical duties, including standing, walking, and lifting requirements.
Salary and Grade Overview
The compensation for this position is competitive, ranging from $91,654 to $156,997 per year. The final salary determination is based on your specific education, length of nursing practice, and the five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research.
Grade Comparison Table
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN/Diploma | Fundamental knowledge-based care |
| Nurse I, Level III | ADN/BSN + Experience | Self-directed goal setting |
| Nurse II | BSN/MSN + Experience | Collaborative leadership |
| Nurse III | MSN/PhD + Experience | Systems-level management |
Benefits of Working at the VA
The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package, ensuring your hard work is supported by:
- Work-Life Balance: 50 days of paid leave annually.
- Financial Security: Federal pension and 401k matching up to 5%.
- Healthcare: Excellent, portable federal insurance plans.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume document provided by the VA Careers site.
- Be Quantifiable: Use specific examples when describing your experience in the five dimensions of nursing.
- Follow Deadlines: Ensure your application is submitted by the July 28, 2026 deadline to avoid missing your chance.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to define the standard of care for our Veterans. If you possess the clinical depth and leadership drive required to oversee a complex hospital environment, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Registered Nurse - Nursing Officer Of The Day Job Matters
Step into a pivotal leadership role as a Nursing Officer of the Day at the VA St. Louis Health Care System, where your clinical expertise ensures elite care for our nation's heroes.
Registered Nurse - Nursing Officer Of The Day Job Overview
The VA Saint Louis Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse to serve as the Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD). In this essential role, you will act as the facility’s clinical expert during all hours of operation. You will provide critical leadership, manage complex patient care, and ensure the seamless delivery of services across both the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks campuses. This is a high-impact position for a nurse ready to influence organizational outcomes and support staff during off-hours, weekends, and holidays.
Requirements for Registered Nurse - Nursing Officer Of The Day
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens apply).
- Active, full, and unrestricted nursing license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE).
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Subject to background and security investigations.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must comply with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse - Nursing Officer Of The Day
- 2+ years of recent experience in Acute Care, ICU, or Emergency Department settings.
- Previous experience in a nursing supervisory or leadership capacity.
- Demonstrated ability to manage emergency medical crises and allocate resources effectively.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓50 days of combined paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 federal holidays).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance packages.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401k (TSP) with matching contributions up to 5%.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and performance awards.
- ✓Regular, transparent salary increases.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse - Nursing Officer Of The Day Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse - Nursing Officer Of The Day Job
- Create or update your account on USAJobs.gov.
- Prepare your resume and supporting documents (including DD-214 if applicable).
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload the standard Clinical Resume document along with your full CV.
- Review your application for accuracy and submit before the July 28, 2026 deadline.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website.
- Be detailed and specific about your nursing practice, as assumptions regarding your experience cannot be made.
- Clearly highlight your leadership and emergency care experience in your CV.
- Verify that all your uploaded documents are legible and up-to-date.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJobs account dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Nursing Officer of the Day?
The NOD serves as the nursing expert for the entire facility, providing leadership, managing complex patient situations, overseeing staffing resources, and acting as the Incident Commander during off-hours.
Is travel required for this position?
The position serves both the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks campuses, meaning you will operate across the VA Saint Louis Health Care System infrastructure.
Can foreign-educated nurses apply?
Yes, foreign graduates may be eligible if they hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted nursing registration in the U.S. and provide formal degree equivalency validation.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this is an on-site, campus-based leadership role.
What is the work schedule?
The schedule includes a mix of days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure 24/7 nursing coverage.